A Valediction: Forbidden Mourning
What metaphors are used in A Valediction: Forbidden Mourning by John Donne?
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bookragstutor
Last updated by
Jill W
A metaphysical conceit is an extended metaphor or simile in which the poet draws an ingenious comparison between two very unlike objects. "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning" ends with one of Donne's most famous metaphysical conceits, in which he argues for the lovers' closeness by comparing their two souls to the feet of a drawing compass—a simile that would not typically occur to a poet writing about his love!
A Valediction: Forbidden Mourning